An innovator is a person who introduces new methods or procedures that change the way things are done. Being an innovator means being able to think creatively. Innovators are not afraid to try something, even if others think it will not work. There have been many inventors who have contributed to the creation of computers today. However, there is no one person who is solely responsible for their invention. Instead, people have continued to experiment and build upon ideas and technologies that have gone before them.

Weigl has produced another set of AV˛ Media Enhanced books in the “Remarkable People” series. By using the book code in the front of the book, the reader is able to access videos, audio files, websites, quizzes and more, making the topic of the book come alive! What an innovative way to make books connect to the young reader’s technological world.

In this world of rapid change, the name Steve Jobs was a household word. His name was synonymous with Apple and iPod, his creations. Jobs was one of the best known people in the computer world.

Written prior to Jobs’ October 5, 2011 death, this excellent biography describes Jobs’ early years, the key events in his life, influences and obstacles he met and his achievements and successes. There is even a timeline that helps put his innovations into perspective with what else was happening at the time. Since he lived in California, in the Silicon Valley, information about California is featured. A quick history of the development of computers provides background to Jobs’ journey. Other computer innovators are featured on a page designed to look like trading cards, with quick stats explaining their contributions to today’s computer technology.
All the biographies in the “Remarkable People” series include beautiful full-colour photographs and text in large, well-spaced font. Paragraphs are short and easy to read. Bolded words are defined in the glossary, and there are an index and table of contents. These books are designed to be used in a classroom and there are easy to follow instructions for writing a biography.

To quote Steve, himself, “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” These biographies in the “Remarkable People” series are an example of excellence. They are certainly a “must” for any school library.